With a population of just under 1.5 million, Abu Dhabi is the headquarters of numerous oil companies and embassies. With only 420,000 citizens in the entire emirate, each has an average net worth of USD17 million! The city features large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, international luxury hotel chains and opulent shopping malls.

Long viewed as a staid bureaucratic outpost entirely lacking in neighbouring Dubai's pizazz, things started to change radically in 2004 after long-ruler Sheikh Zayed passed away and his son Sheikh Khalifa took over. In a bid to attract tourism and investment, land sales to foreigners were allowed and restrictions on alcohol were loosened.

Homosexuality is currently illegal throughout the United Arab Emirates with possible resulting penalties of deportation, fines, prison time, or the death sentence.

Scale model of Saadiyat Island, with the Guggenheim up front

Several massive projects are also under way. Yas Island hosts Abu Dhabi's Formula 1 track and the new Ferrari theme park, while the upcoming USD28 billion cultural zone of Saadiyat Island and its centrepieces the Guggenheim (scheduled to open in 2017) and Louvre Museums (scheduled to open in 2015) have been repeatedly plagued by delays. It remains to be seen how well the strategy will work but the city is certainly experiencing a construction boom.

The core of Abu Dhabi is a wedge-shaped island connected to the mainland by the Maqta and Musaffah bridges. The wide end of the wedge forms the city centre, with the Corniche running along the coast and a road variously known as Airport Rd or Sheikh Rasheed bin Saeed al Maktoum St running lengthwise out to the bridges.

Street addresses in Abu Dhabi are simultaneously very logical and hopelessly confusing.

Many roads have traditional names, like "Airport Rd", which may not correspond to the official names, like "Maktoum St", and the city is divided into traditional districts like "Khalidiyya".

However, by recent decree, the city has been split up into numbered "zones" and "sectors", with all roads in each sector numbered, First St, Second St, etc, and the vast majority of street signs only refer to these. The system of main streets is straight forward enough once you realize that the odd numbered streets run across the island and the even numbers run along it. So First St is in fact the Corniche, and the odd numbers continue out of town to 31st St which is near the new Khalifa Park. Airport Rd is Second St and the even numbers continue to the east through to 10th St by Abu Dhabi Mall. On the west side of Airport Rd, the numbers go from 22nd Street to 32nd St by the new Bateem Marina. Alas, confusion is caused by the local streets, which are on green signs (main streets are on blue signs) and are also called First, Second etc. Most locals opt to ignore the system entirely, and the best way to give instructions is, consequently, navigating by landmarks. If taking a taxi, odds are you will get to "behind the Hilton Baynunah" much faster than "Fifth Street, Sector 2".

Abu Dhabi International Airport [97] (IATA: AUH, ICAO: OMAA) is the UAE's second busiest airport (after Dubai) and the home base of Abu Dhabi's flag carrier Etihad. Launched in 2003, Etihad Airways has been expanding rapidly and now flies to every inhabited continent from the United Arab Emirates, and its services (particularly on long-haul flights) are remarkably good in all classes.

Other major companies that fly into Abu Dhabi include Air India, British Airways, Jet Airways, KLM, Pakistan International Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Nevertheless, the majority of flights that operate into Abu Dhabi are operated by Etihad Airways.

The airport is separated into Terminal 1 (the original terminal), Terminal 2 (dedicated to services to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in addition to services operated by Rotana Jet) and Terminal 3 (a new terminal dedicated to Etihad Airways and its codeshare partners).

Terminal 1 provides a slightly dingy appearance and a spectacularly bizarre blue-lime tiled mushroom canopy that awaits you at the gates. The airport itself is quite well-maintained and has duty-free shopping. However, it can get a little overcrowded at peak hours around midnight. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion which in early 2011 is still under way. Picking up luggage is also quite easy, although, be forewarned that airport personnel may remove a flight's bags from the carousel and stack them in a pile next to it, as the airport has few baggage carousels.

Passport control at the exit point is often overcrowded, with passengers often pushing past others and stepping into the wrong lanes. Security can at times be understaffed, with the armed security and the immigration staff not able to do very much to control the crowds, and it can take up to 3 hours to pass through. Passengers with UAE identity cards and/or GCC passports can use dedicated lanes. If you or other people in your party have mobility problems, problems standing up without any access to facilities for a prolonged amount of time, or you're travelling with children, you might want to consider contacting your airline and asking for fast track immigration. Otherwise it would be sensible to bring some water and avail use of the lavatories before entering the queue to avoid a disastrous welcome into the Emirates.

Terminal 3 is much newer and has improved shopping and gate access. Etihad flights to and from the US utilise the older terminal.

A midfield terminal has been planned for many years.

To/from the airport:

Al Ghazal taxis travel to the city at a flat rate of Dhs 75 and take around 40 minutes.

Metered taxis are now allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. A trip into Abu Dhabi city centre will cost AED60-70. Metered taxis can also bring passengers to the airport. The taxi stand is at the end of a long walkway from the main terminal. Passengers must turn left when leaving the arrivals area and travel through a long passageway to the curb area, where a covered platform next to the taxi stand is provided. Expect long lines at the taxi stand during the evening and late night hours.

If you are flying on Etihad, complimentary shuttle buses are provided at regular intervals to Dubai. Etihad does not go to the Abu Dhabi city centre. These depart from the main car park at the front of the airport, by the car hire offices.

A viable alternative is to fly to Dubai International Airport in the neighbouring emirate of Dubai and continue onward by bus or, if really in a hurry, by taxi.

To/from Dubai airport:

A metered Dubai airport taxi direct to the Abu Dhabi town centre will cost about AED300.

To get a bus, you will have to go to one of several bus stations in Dubai to catch the Emirates Express to Abu Dhabi. See By bus section below.

If you have got a car, you can hire Mahtara's Car Storage Service(+9714 2858484) and get a free transportation to Dubai Airport. It's going to cost much cheaper as the charge of the service is not exceeding AED25/day.

The five-laned E11 highway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is the country's heaviest-travelled route, and the 130-km journey can be covered in about 90min. While there is a national speed limit of 120km/h, speeds up to 140km/h are tolerated, yet this is often wildly exceeded by some drivers. Stay out of the leftmost lane and drive carefully, especially at night.

To travel directly into Abu Dhabi from Dubai on E11, keep to your left at Al Shahama and follow the E10 highway, which passes Yas Island (exit at the E12 highway) and Al Raha Beach on the way to the Sheikh Zayed Bridge into Abu Dhabi City. This bridge connects directly to Salam Street (8th Street), a newly widened megahighway along the northern shore of Abu Dhabi Island. There is still significant construction along this route entering the central business district so expect delays and detours. As an alternative to the Zayed Bridge, there are ramps off E10 that connect to the Maqta Bridge, which leads to both 2nd Street (Airport Road) and 4th Street (East Road or Muroor Road). During off-peak periods, these routes run fairly quickly into the City.

Parking can be very challenging in the central business district and business areas around the City. While there are some free parking areas, much of the surface parking throughout the City is governed by the Department of Transport's Mawaqif program, which allows payment both at curbside meters (receipts should be displayed inside your windscreen) and through a subscription program that allows you to SMS a parking request after you've pulled into a space.

The markings on the side of the pavement indicate the type of parking spot. If you see yellow and grey, you cannot park there. Blue and black shows standard parking and blue and white show premium parking. You will receive a Dhs 500 fine if you have no ticket.

Multi-storey car parks can are commonly found in shopping malls (such as Al Wahda mall).

You can get into Abu Dhabi from the other Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, etc, by bus. The Emirates Express between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is operated jointly by the Abu Dhabi and Dubai municipalities. The 130km route takes around two hours. The buses operated by Dubai's RTA are luxury buses that charge 25 dirhams for the onward journey to Abu Dhabi and AED15 for the return journey. The Abu Dhabi transport buses charge 15 Dirhams each way. The first bus departs from the Abu Dhabi main bus terminal on the corner of Hazza bin Zayed the First (11th) St and East (4th) Rd at 05:30 and the last leaves at 23:30; they leave at 30 minute intervals, or if the bus gets full sooner. From Dubai, the buses leave from 05:30, and run until 23:30, from the Al Ghubaiba station in Bur Dubai (opposite Carrefour Shopping). For bus times, see the timetable published on the Government of Dubai website.

If you hold an Emirates flight ticket and arrive to / depart from Dubai airport, the airline offers a complimentary extension of your trip to/from Abu Dhabi. Busses depart from Dubai airport Terminal 3 and arrive to Emirates Abu Dhabi office located in Al Sawari Tower [98]. Contact Emirates customer service for booking

You can flag down any metered taxi on the street in Dubai or any other place in the UAE and ask to go to Abu Dhabi. The cost between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is about AED250. From Abu Dhabi, taxis cost about AED200 to Dubai.

Taxis are a great way for people to travel around Abu Dhabi if they don't have a car. They are also fairly cheap compared to other developed countries.

The most common kind of taxi is the silver taxi. These can be flagged down anywhere in Abu Dhabi, if you happen to see one passing. They start at AED3.50. Check the sticker on the window to see what they charge. Their speed is monitored and are not allowed to go over 120km/h. The sign on top is yellow.

To see if they are available, check the sign on top of the cab. If they are available, the lights in the middle will be off and at night, the sign will be lit. If they are not available, the sign will be unlit and the red lights in the middle will be on.

Airport taxis look more modern and have a display on top which shows you if the taxi is available or taken in English and Arabic.

You can only get on them at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The yellow and gold taxis are not in service any more. You'd be lucky to even see one.

You are not expected to tip cab drivers, but gratuity will be extremely appreciated. Many taxi drivers are displaced persons, far from their home countries and families, so often they take out pictures of family members for you to comment on.

The main Bus station in Abu Dhabi is on Hazaa Bin Zayed Road. You can get buses here going to the different points within the city as well as inter city buses. The bus stand also serves as a taxi stand, for inter-emirate taxis.

The fare system is simple: AED2 for a single ride within Abu Dhabi City, AED4 for a single ride on a regional bus, or DAED80 for a one-month Ojra pass. Local buses require exact fare pre-loaded on a single or multiple use smart cards, regional buses including the A1 airport bus will give change. The dark bluish green buses are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Passengers can board and alight at the designated stops along the route. These locations can be identified by the temporary Department of Transport bus stop poles. Beware: bus stops that do not have the DoT bus stop sign may not be served as not all bus stops along the route are used.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi have the reputation of being reckless drivers. It is not uncommon to see cars change lanes at random, pull out in front of other cars or trigger radar/speed cameras. If you rent/own a car in Abu Dhabi, be extremely careful. Tests for alcohol can be administered, and even the blood-alcohol level rise from a glass of wine will be sufficient grounds for one month's incarceration.

If you do decide to take the plunge, beware that the street numbering system is unusual and it can take 30-45 days to get used to it. U-turns are allowed at almost every intersection. When the left lane signal turns green, you simply have to swing a U-turn and come back. Whatever other flaws drivers here may have, they do not run red lights. There are cameras at many intersections, fines are high (about AED500), and residents who are not citizens can be deported for running too many red lights. When the light turns yellow, that taxi in front of you will jam on the brakes, and you should, too. When the light turns green, however, expect someone behind you to honk at you immediately to get you moving.

Traffic lights will flash green before turning to yellow.

Unfortunately, despite excellent roads, and a traffic signal system, vehicle accidents remains the largest cause of deaths in the UAE.

While walking in Abu Dhabi is not a problem for locals, tourists from the colder countries will suffer from the heat and sun. Temperatures in Abu Dhabi can exceed 50 degrees Celsius, although the weather reports "change" the forecasts so that they say it is cooler than it actually is.

Jaywalking is illegal in Abu Dhabi just as it is in the USA, but you would expect that from the reckless drivers. Pedestrian crossings are far in-between, especially on Reem Island, where most of the traffic lights in the near-empty and blocked-off parts are turned off.

On some intersections, the pedestrian lights will have a timer at the top to see how long you have before the lights change.

Extreme caution is recommended when crossing at lights, and especially pedestrian/zebra crossings. There is no chance a local will stop for you at a crossing, and you will be injured/killed unless proper care is taken on your part. Some expats who have arrived recently may stop for you.

Abu Dhabi offers little in the way of historical or cultural sights but it certainly isn’t lacking in attractions and many of them are free.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The 6th largest mosque in the world. There are guided tours of the interior several times a day. Note that there is a dress code-- quite strict for women; less so for men (who can even wear shorts; albeit beyond the knee). You can easily get there by public bus. Ask the bus driver to let you know once you get there. The public bus stop is a 100m before the mosque and after that is no stop for the next 5km.

Entrance is either from the North or the South gate (for free). At the South gate women and men can borrow appropriate dress (men: white Kandora; women: black overdress).
There are hourly tours in English, between 10am and 5pm.

The Corniche. Abu Dhabi's spectacular waterfront stretches for 6km from the Breakwater near Marina Shoping Mall almost up to the Mina Zayed port. It has a walkway for the entire length, and certain stretches have sandy beaches. There are also many activities like go-cart riding, playgrounds and even stages for shows. All this against a backdrop of the impressive towers of downtown Abu Dhabi. Come in the evening and you feel as if the whole of Abu Dhabi have come here for their evening walk.

Flagpole. At 123m, this is among the world's tallest flagpoles, and you won't miss the massive UAE flag hanging off it. On Marina Island across from Marina Mall.

Heritage Village. Near the Flagpole. A 3 dh pittance gets you entry to a modest collection of dusty replica buildings, traditional wooden boats, and handicrafts stores. However, it has a pretty beach with a great view of the city!

Abu Dhabi has several large green spaces, many of which include play areas and equipment for children, and the city is studded with lovely fountains, swathes of neon light, and the occasional sculpture.

Khalifa Park, (off Al Salam St (8th) near the Grand Mosque). The best park by far, built at a cost of $50 million. Has its own aquarium, museum, train, play parks and formal gardens.AED1. edit

Cultural Events The Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre has become a landmark in the Emirates and holds cultural events and workshops throughout the year. It has a well-stocked library, children's programs, art exhibitions, benefits, and other culture-related activities that are the hallmark of any city. It's well worth a look.

There are a vast number of projects coming up in Abu Dhabi.

Saadiyat Island is being developed into a cultural haven (see Understand).

Yas Island: The alpha-male motorsports den of Yas Island features a world-class motor sports racetrack which held the final Formula 1 race of the 2009 season and is on the race calendar for 2010 - the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix [99], a Ferrari theme park, water park, and — of course — an enormous shopping mall.

It is also home to the Yas Links golf club, which is a world top 100 rated links course.

Lulu Islands are a group of artificial islands, already built just offshore at great expense, but currently sitting there doing absolutely nothing after a tourism venture failed to even start construction.

Fossils in a cliff face near Abu Dhabi.

Reem Island is a newer island with many developments ongoing and planned. Much of the island is unfinished.

Swimming Nearly all hotels and private clubs in Abu Dhabi offer swimming facilities, usually in the form of private beaches. You can pay for a day's use, or for a year's. Another, notably cheaper, option is The Club, an organization geared towards expatriates.

Lessons Some hotels also offer dance lessons, aerobics classes, and other physical entertainment.

Natural Outdoors. Although at first glance the outdoors may seem dull and uninteresting, and even dangerous due to the desert conditions, there are actually amazing natural destinations in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which extends all the way south to the Empty Quarter and east to the mountains of Oman - the difficulty is in knowing where to find these beautiful spots! There are pristine waterfalls, cliffs lined with fossils, even freshwater lakes - Weekenduae is a blog that freely shares ideas, routes and plans for weekend adventures with all trip details including description, GPS track, interactive map, and photos.

Parks. Al Safa Park is one of the oldest in Abu Dhabi. It's a favorite for sports enthusiasts, and many visitors enjoy playing tennis, volleyball, and soccer. Children love playing games in the video arcade, or riding the ferris wheel and bumper cars. The park even has a maze to wander through. Barbeques and picnic areas are available for those who want to make a day of it.

Camel Races. The Camel Race Track is one of the more unusual attractions, with races being held on Thursday and Friday in the winter. Not only can you watch the races, but you'll have the opportunity to visit the paddocks. the town of Shweihan, in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi emirate is well-known for its races, and Liwa has annual event, too.

Desert Safari or Dune Bashing. Head out to the desert in an SUV with specialist Desert Drivers. The drivers will take you for a roller-coaster ride over sand dunes, show you the sunset from a strategic vantage point and then take you to a lavish dinner with music and dance to complete the atmosphere. You may want to stay clear of the dune-bashing if you know that you get carsick easily. Another option would be renting/buying a 4x4 and joining the many growing 4x4 clubs in the UAE, which are varied and each carry their own different flavour: 4X4 dune ride [100], uaeoffroaders [101], arabianoffroader [102], IOH4x4 [103], emarat4x4 [104], Nuzhath Ideas [105], etc. They offer a free learning experience for all newcomers with scheduled weekly trips to suit all levels of driving skills, some of them have over 2,000 members from many nationalities.

Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise or Boats and Yachts[106] Cruising along Corniche area with 5 Star international Arabic food. Also available various Yachts and boats that is having cruising options to various parts of Abu Dhabi

Helicopter Tour Board a luxurious 6-seater Eurocopter EC130 B4 and Discover Abu Dhabi from a birds' eye view with Falcon Aviation Services.Tours operate daily from 9AM to 5PM out of the Marina Mall Terminal. Reservations recommended (tours can be booked on an individual or private basis)

Abu Dhabi is a compulsive shopper's dream. There are several malls, most of which have the same stores as other malls. Besides establishments aimed at locals, malls also include popular foreign chain stores, as well as designer places. Many visitors will be surprised at the female fashion dichotomy - while local custom calls for women to be covered in public, most stores sell short skirts and halter tops alongside the more sedate floor-length skirts and high-necked shirts.

Abu Dhabi Mall is a three story shopping mall located in Tourist Club Area, adjacent to the Beach Rotana Hotel.

The turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf along the Corniche, with the Marina Mall in the background

Marina Mall boasts a musical fountain and ceilings that thunder and rain. It is in the Water Breaker area near the magnificent Emirates Palace. It also contains one of two Carrefour hypermarkets in town.

Al Wahda Mall, opened in 2007, is a large, modern mall in the center of downtown (11th and 4th Streets). Stores are high-end, the food court is extensive, and the LuLu Hypermart in the basement is probably the largest grocery and dry goods store in, well, anywhere.

Khalidiya Mall. Khalidiya mall is a nice place to visit. The droll fashion stores may grip you for maybe several seconds, but then the obvious lack of things to do kicks in. However, the food court is popular, alongside New York Fries, Chili's and a Dunkin' Donuts + Baskin Robbins. Downstairs there is an extortionate Krispy Kreme and Starbucks, and a what looks to be an Indian/Arabian cuisine restaurant, which seems good but looks to be unpopular.edit

Boutik, Reem Island (Follow the signs once you are on Reem Island). 10am-11pm. Boutik opened in 2013 and is a mall with a cafe, two restruants, a pharmacy, a Waitrose, and a bank. While walking around the mall you will see that there are a lot of spaces where there are no shops, especially on the first floor. You can also access the two apartment towers connected to the mall from here.edit

There are also many small, independent stores around the city. On the bottom floor of one building, a person can purchase fancy chocolates, computer parts, antiques, and clothing. It is better to purchase things like carpets, art, native jewellery, and antiques at the independent or souk-like places than at the malls, as the price will be lower and the shopkeepers more willing to haggle.

Bargaining is a big part of shopping in the Emirates, but be prudent. Don't bargain at Marks and Spencer or Hang Ten. Save your discounting skills for independent shops dealing in antiques and the like.

Shopping in most places can be frustrating, as the clerks will follow you around the store. This is partly due to their concept of what constitutes good service, and partly because there is a shoplifting problem. Most will not be intrusive, but some employees can be very pushy and overly obsequious. Smile and thank them often, and you're more likely to be left alone after a bit.

In carpet stores - or anywhere that sells tapestries, Indian antiques, and the like don't feel too pressured to buy, and don't be shocked if they start unrolling beautiful rug after beautiful rug at your feet. You are under no obligation to buy, no matter how much time they spend with you. However, the pressure will be very steady, and shyer shoppers may want to travel in packs for comfort's sake.

Grocery stores such as Spinney's, Carrefours, and the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society are inexpensive and usually stocked with Western goods. Be careful to examine all products before purchasing. Visitors wishing to purchase pork products will likely have to enter a separate room to do so, as no nationals are permitted in these sections of the grocery stores.

Prices in Abu Dhabi tend to be very competitive. There is an new 5% VAT from 01.01.2018

General discount season - end of the year and midyear. These are the time where you can get some branded items with a very low price, maybe last season stock.

Although Abu Dhabi hosts to a wide range of palates and ethnicities, there isn't much variety when it comes to cuisine. Indian food is relatively cheap, and there are a few Chinese chain restaurants with reasonable prices. Hotel restaurants are usually the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food like McDonald's and Hardees, but there is little call for most people to eat at those places.

The fun thing about Abu Dhabi is that everywhere, literally from tiny falafel shacks to the cushy hotel restaurants to Burger King, delivers to anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick and reliable, and usually doesn't cost extra.

Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes, the array of splendid pure vegetarian Indian cuisine, and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Abu Dhabi a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying customer. The best choice for pure Vegans would be one of the many Indian veg restaurants like Evergreen, Sangeetha in Tourist Club area.

Visitors should always check the Islamic calendar to determine whether they will be visiting during the month of Ramadan. Since Muslims fast during daylight hours, restaurants are, by law, closed during the day. It is also against the law to eat or drink anything, even water, in public and tourists (and non-Muslim residents) have been arrested and given fines. Large hotels generally have one restaurant open during the day to serve meals to non-Muslims. During the evening, however, it's quite a different story, as the festive atmosphere of iftar (breaking the fast) begins and residents gather for lavish, Thanksgiving-like meals. As long as you don't mind tiding yourself over in private, the evening meals are magnificent.

The Olive Branch, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, ☎+971 2 659666, [1]. Mafraq’s all day restaurant serves up fresh Mediterranean cuisine borrowing influence from various regions, including France, Spain and Turkey. The buffet is prepared with the freshest of ingredients and the interior décor is equally breezy and funky. Open 24 hours daily serving buffet and an A La Carte menu Buffet serving times: Breakfast 06:00-10:30, Lunch 12:30–15:30, Dinner 19:00–23:00 edit

hunter’s b&r, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, ☎+971 2 659666, [2]. The international bar and restaurant showcases a new look, taking on a modern twist with green brick walls, solid wood tables and numerous flat screen TVs showing all the latest sporting action. The menu is packed with sumptuous mains and tempting nibbles to accompany the thirst quenching bevies on tap. Ideal for after work drinks, or an evening with friends, hunter’s b&r offers a casual environment with a social buzz. Open daily from noon to 02.30 with food served throughout edit

Rimal, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, ☎+971 2 659666, [3]. The new Rimal Asian fusion bar serves up oriental dishes in an authentic atmosphere with a modern edge. Taste the delicious flavours from Korea, China and Japan in this Asian inspired outlet, complete with Sake and signature cocktails. The perfect place to enjoy an evening with friends. Open daily from noon to 02.30 with food served till midnight edit

Oasis Courtyard, Mafraq - Abu Dhabi, [4]. This poolside bar and restaurant serves refreshing drinks under the sun and a wide selection of snacks. The swim-up bar in the pool offers another level of refreshment, with dedicated bartenders who blend and whip sensational cocktail creations. Shisha is also available in a melody of flavours, perfect for an afternoon or evening with friends. Open daily from noon to 21.00 with food served throughout. edit

The Burlington Grill, Mafraq Abu Dhabi, ☎+971 2 659666, [6]. The hotel’s signature grill restaurant serves up succulent grilled meat and seafood steaks. The red leather interior, coupled with a show kitchen delivers a treat for all the senses. Choose from an array of starters and salads including crab cakes and goats cheese tartlets, dig into American-style Louisiana fish gumbo, or choose an al dente risotto. The main event brings a hefty offering of grilled fish, rack of lamb and meaty steaks complemented by a selection of daily chef’s specials. With al fresco dining on the terrace, an aperitif bar and a knowledgeable team, The Burlington Grill will soon become an Abu Dhabi favourite. Opening Hours: Lunch noon – 15.00 and Dinner 19.00 – midnight edit

Some of the cheapest (but not necessarily good) food in the city can be found at its many Indian restaurants. Portions are almost always generous, prices low, and quality excellent. Set meals of rice, fish curry, lentil curry (dhal), peppery soup (rasam), a vegetable side dish and perhaps a small fried fish, served on a large steel tray (thali) with little steel bowls for the accompaniments, can go for as low as Dhs.5.

Arabian Palace, (behind Baynunah Tower), ☎+971 2 6343396. The decor is basic and the food, while cheap and filling, is forgettable, but the shisha here is excellent. Puff up a pipe, order their excellent "lemon with mint" drink and gaze at the skyscrapers.Dh 50. edit

Anand Vegetarian Restaurant, Hamdan Street (behind Dunia Finance Building and Al Mansouri Plaza), ☎+971 2 6775599. This is a pure veg Gujarati (North Indian) style restaurant. The demand for Puri Bhaji (a deep fried bread and Potato and Chick Pea veg dish) is so great that you will have to wait your turn but it's worth it. There is a special part for ladies and families. Friday lunch with sweets and as much Puri as you want for only at Dhs 12. Sometimes you will have to wait for 10 mins to get a roti. Dhs.10 per person Eat all you can and various. edit

Nalas Aappakadai Restaurant, (Behind the NDC building on Salam St). Speciality for Aappam & Excellent South Indian food from the Chettinad cuisine, Chinese & Tandoor edit

Cettinad Restaurant, (Behind Eldorado cinema/National cinema, in between Hamdan and Electra St, next to Abudhabi Floor Mill), ☎+971 2 6777699, +971 2 6780002. Authentic Chettinad food available at reasonable price. Also serving North Indian,Chinese,Tandoor and Mughalai food. Both vegetarian and non vegetarian foods are available. Cettinad Restaurant branch is next to the taxi station flyover traffic light, on the back isde of Brightway advertisement building, +971 24454331, +971 2 4454332edit

Al Safadi, (Sheik Zayed Road Khalidiya Area). In an older building in one of the older & more walkable parts of Abu Dhabi, Al Safadi is a Lebanese gem for Shawarma: both lamb and chicken. Shawarma sandwiches for 5 AED each. Each entree comes with a huge plate of greens, pickles, peppers and Lebanese bread.Dh 50. edit

Royal Rajasthan, (Adjacent to Home center in Hamdan street). One of the city’s many restaurants that serves both Indian and Chinese dishes. This is a pure vegetarian restaurant. This little place does excellent Indian snacks,Indian soups, biryanis and an absolutely huge selection for vegetarians. Their bread menu is also extensive. Their Thali costs around Dhs22.edit

Hyderabad Bites, (Branch 1: near Strand Hotel in tourist club area). This hidden gem offers a range of excellent Indian/Chinese dishes at very affordable prices. Popular among cab drivers in Abu Dhabi. Typical price 12-30 AED per person including beverages.Dh 12. edit

Rodeo Grill at the Beach Rotana Hotel is an excellent steak house that is a bit pricey.

Prego's at the Beach Rotana Hotel is a very good Italian restaurant with a good wine selection, and an artichoke dip appetizer to die for

Benihana at the Beach Rotana Hotel is the world famous Teppan-yaki chain

Zen, Al Ain Palace Hotel, ☎+971 2 6794777, [7]. 12PM-3PM, 7PM-12AM. The more widely known and older Japanese restaurant, serving traditional Japanese foods and drinks. The fine dining experience is accompanied with a great decor.edit

Blue Grill at the Yas Island Rotana Hotel is also an exquisite steakhouse restaurant, serving the best prime steaks and other grilled favourites, great seafood and fine wine.

Tori no Su at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers (Podium Level 3) offers Japanese fine dining, including a wide selection of sake. The location and interior design are breathtaking; perfect for an intimate dinner in a glamorous venue.

Chappan Bhog... is also one of the best in serving vegetarian food with nice flavors.

Only restaurants located in hotels are allowed to serve alcohol. Therefore, all nightlife is associated with hotels. The drinking age is 21, but most places don't care. Unlike some other Middle Eastern nations, the bars in Abu Dhabi will be able to accommodate most drink orders.

Technically, you are supposed to purchase a permit to buy alcohol for private storage, although Spinney's and other liquor stores usually take proof that you aren't a local Muslim (a military ID or driver's license.)

Hemingway's, Hilton Abu Dhabi (Corniche West) – There are three different places inside. The main restaurant has a good tex-mex menu, a wide selection of beer on tap and features live music in the evening. Jazz Bar – The second venue, has great food and a good jazz band. The band normally changes every six months or so, but the quality is consistent and they take requests. The bartenders normally put on a show by tossing bottles around while mixing a mean cocktail. The third place is Cinnabar, a nightclub that normally gets going after midnight, although it can be a nice place for a quiet drink early in the evening, even though bartenders there can be rude. The music is mostly house/club, although they have a salsa night.

The Captain's Arms Le Meridien (Eastern Abu Dhabi) – Traditional British pub located in the hotel courtyard. The pub features traditional food and a great selection of beer on tap. The large terrace is great during the cooler months of the year. A typical hang-out for the expat crowd, but try to get there early, as it attracts a large after-work crowd.

Wakatua, Le Meridien (Eastern Abu Dhabi) is a Polynesian-themed cocktail bar located at the far end of the courtyard, right on the water. The cocktails are amazing. The Navy Grog is highly recommended. It has a nice view at night, over the water.

Rock Bottom, at the Capital Hotel, is one of the most popular night club locations in all of Abu Dhabi. It stays open later than most venues, and is cheaper. If you get there early enough, they have decent food you can enjoy in the restaurant area. They have both a live band and an excellent DJ, along with black lights and lasers. There is even a hot dog stand later in the night, providing some delicious drunk snacks. Thur nights can get extremely crowded, be warned.

The Embassy is a fairly new nightclub in The Emirates Palace Hotel. Though drinks are expensive, it is worth a visit. The grand hotel is a must-see in Abu Dhabi and the actual club is nicely decorated, comfortable, has great service, a balcony overlooking the hotel grounds, and provides a fun time with great music and very colorful laser shows.

Sax is a popular night club located in The Royal Meridian Hotel (not to be confused with Le Meridian Hotel). Next door to the restaurant/bar "Oceans". Sax is a beautifully decorated club with sleek black marble floors, two bars, a DJ, and depending on the time, a jazz band. The club is often very loud and very dark with little more than lasers lighting the room. It's not a place to go if you expect to talk at all, at least not on a weekend night. Collared shirts are required for men, and sneakers usually don't pass the bouncers either. It's not uncommon to have to pay an entry fee. There are free drinks for the ladies on Wednesday nights, so expect it to be crowded.

PJ's is a 'traditional' Irish Pub in the Royal Meridian Hotel, boasting brunch buffets and a long happy hour. The majority of the guests are usually English/British/American/Australian. There is something entertaining going on every day of the week, from 'Quiz Night' to 'Ladies Night'. If you want to start drinking early, this is the place to go. No one will bat an eye if you order beer with brunch, and you'll probably find yourself staying for more than one round. The music earlier in the day is a mix of oldies and rock with faster-tempo songs for the late night crowd. This is also a great place to come to watch sports, as the quiet daytime atmosphere and televisions throughout ensure a pleasant experience. The outdoor seating near the hotel's pool is also a great asset on cooler days.

Zenith at the Sheraton Corniche is nicely decorated club and has a nice sized dance floor. If you like the local Abu Dhabi crowd and Arabic music, this is a great place to go. The drinks can be expensive,but the presentation is entertaining. Just around the corner is a quiet outside venue where you can drink and smoke sheesha near a pond.

Trader Vic's is a famous cocktail bar/restaurant located in The Beach Rotana Hotel (connected to The Abu Dhabi Mall). The flattering lighting, interesting menu, and soft but fun island music make this a great place for a date or hanging out with people you actually want to talk to. The cocktail menu is pages long, and ordering a complicated fruity concoction is a must. The drinks may be a little on the expensive side at times, but the atmostphere is great. Try ordering one of their two or four person drinks, which come in a giant fishbowl. They're a lot of fun if you don't mind sharing!

49ers is a steakhouse/bar. It is often quoted as "More of a meat market than a steakhouse" because of its solid reputation for prostitution. I wouldn't recommend a non-prostitute woman going there. It is uncomfortable and the men in the bar will probably assume you are for sale. The Novotel Hotel and The Sands Hotel are also notorious for their nightclubs that men frequent when looking to purchase a date for the night.

Heroes is a friendly sports grill/bar. Located in The Crowne Hotel's basement, it offers reasonable meals, and fair drink prices. The bar is often full of men and women watching various sports games on television. Later at night they have a DJ and a live band that play softer rock songs. It is a pleasant place to hang out with friends, though the lack of windows or ventilation can make it stuffy and smoke-filled quickly.

Mardi Gras is a small restaurant/bar located in The Capital Hotel. Its ambiance reminds one of a spa. The service is good, the drinks are reasonable, and the food is tasty. The band often leaves much to be desired, and the DJ is worse.

The Yacht Club at the Intercontinental Hotel is newer bar/restaurant, and offers a gorgeous view of the sunset over the marina if you sit outside. Inside has a very modern, minimalistic feel. The cocktails are delicious, but expensive.

Left Bank at the Souk at the Shangrila Hotel (between the two bridges)is a popular and lively spot. It serves a wide range of interesting cocktails (try the pineapple-ginger collins) as well as nicely prepared and presented meals. They are still new so they are trying a little harder right now, and the service tends to be pretty good. Worth the 15 to 20-minute trip out of the downtown core.

Rabbit Hutch. The dedicated British Embassy Rabbit Hutch is a nice pub with music, a pool and a small play area for children. Although you have to know someone on the inside to get into this rather exclusive pub, the British friends and the refreshing pool is definitely worth it. They do all sorts of drinks, but don't ask for a martini, on the rocks, shaken not stirred.edit

arkadia (marina club), marina club,tourist club area (besides abu dhabi mall), ☎+971 558814479, [8]. 8PM -3AM. one of the hottest club in town,just check it out and you'll surely enjoy your night with their resident band "wired to the floor" and dj onnie.50dhs below. edit

Hotels in Abu Dhabi used to be half price compared to Dubai but no longer, with many hotels charging above Dhs 500 per night. However, all are well-tended and host to first class restaurants, pools and other high-end hotel facilities.

Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers (Beach Rotana), Tourist Club Area, ☎+971 2 6979000, [9]. Marble everywhere sums it up. It is luxurious and the luxury is well done from the lady who welcomes you to the hotel to the concierge. Of course, it is also expensive, very expensive if you don't arrive off peak and off peak is rare in Abu Dhabi. The Club rooms are worth it if you are having to pay full rates for the classic rooms in the main older hotel. They are not much bigger but the use of the Club lounge is valuable if you are going to be in the hotel a lot and the TV arrangements are more modern, the view wide. It now looks over the hectic construction on the new artificial islands across the creek. The rooms could use headphones to allow watching of TV at a louder but more personal level. The Club rooms jacuzzis in the bath are OK for the user but a noisy nuisance for the neighbours.edit

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi (Five Star Hotel), Al Salam Street (Near TwoFour54 and Khalifa Park), ☎+971 2 6573333, [11]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Best known for it's British Pub Cooper's, Park Rotana is a sleek business hotel that's rather far from the city but offers quite a respite. Watch out as the rooms don't have bath tubs though they're quite tech savvy with the switches and the likes.edit

Emirates Palace, Corniche East, [12]. Built at an estimated cost of US$3 billion, this was one of the world's most expensive hotels to build, with oodles of gold and marble plating every available surface. The scale of everything is gargantuan — you need directions just to find your way from the gate to the lobby. The hotel feels like it's straight out of Las Vegas, minus the slot machines. Day tripping visitors are welcome, and entertainment options include caviar and champagne at the Caviar Bar, a fine Cohiba and cognac at the Havana Club, or a Turkish coffee (Dh 30) at Le Cafe.From about US$500. edit

Grand Continental Flamingo, (near Hamdan St and Khalifa Bin Zayed St), ☎+971 2 6262200, [13]. This is the hotel the taxis can't find. A 2 story atrium, quiet setting, rooms with bidet, bath and over-bath shower and wide screen TVs all contribute to a pleasant stay. Only the dimness of the lighting and the overdone carpets in the room lets it down. The bath towels are also a bit small.Dhs. 200. edit

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche East, ☎+971 2 6811900, [14]. One of the older hotels in Abu Dhabi, but kept in good shape and recently renovated. Huge Hiltonia beach/pool/spa complex across the street (free for guests), small gym in hotel itself. "Plus" rooms face the sea but are otherwise identical to normal ones. Located a fair distance from the city center, which is both good (no construction noise) and bad (virtually nothing within walking distance). However, there are shuttle services to the Marina Mall and the city center).US$150. edit

Hilton Baynunah, Corniche, ☎+971 2 6327777, [15]. Popular with business travellers, the Baynunah's main selling points are the central location and spacious rooms equipped with kitchens. Indoor pool, gym, small lounge open to all guests. Downsides are thin walls and a construction site next door which is unlikely to be completed before 2009.US$120. edit

Novotel Centre Hotel Abu Dhabi (Novotel), (Hamdan Street & Airport Road), ☎+971 2 6333555, [16]. Adequate rooms but inadequate and expensive breakfast in a tower block. Reception is cramped and lacks style. The lifts (elevators) are very slow. You pay for internet access. Only the cheerful staff and, if relevant to you, the central location redeem the place. The Chinese restaurant is said to be good, too.edit

The Yas Hotel, (Yas Island), ☎+971 2 6560000, [18]. Set half on land and half on water, overlooking the marina, and positioned on the Yas Marina Circuit, which plays host the annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this hotel is distinctive. The exterior's gridshell can be seen for miles around and mimics the throw of a local fishing net. Fourteen total restaurants and lounges.edit

Other luxury hotels include:

Aloft, Atop the National Exhibition Centre. Trendy hotel with cool dark colors, attractive young hotel desk clerks, relatively small rooms (beds are comfortable though), good restaurant and lobby bar, fantastic outdoor lounge on the roof, and half-empty disco next door. Great if there's a convention, but it's walkable to nothing else. Car or taxi is needed to get just about anywhere. Maybe when the nearby residential/commercial development is ready in a few years, it might be more desirable. 4 star with few amenities (you bring your own bags to the room), but there is still a definite sense of style.US$90-200. edit

Crowne Plaza, Hamdan St. Luxury hotel for a little less money than the Hilton or both of Les Meridiens. Best Asian and Italian restaurants in the city are on the ground level. Service can be a little slow, bed is comfortable. There is a rooftop bar upstairs which seems always empty. Maybe more a 4 1/2 star hotel, not a 5 star. You can sometimes get a "car" instead of taxi to take you places, for not much more than the taxi.US$100-400. edit

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, [20]. One of the long-time prestige hotels. Expensive, but occasional Internet deals on the hotel independent booking websites are worth it if you're willing to pay upfront online. Lobby is huge, and appears recently renovated. Rooms seem a little 80s with their decor (way too many mirrors) but beds are comfortable and the views are nice. Gym and fine (but expensive) restaurants. Abu Dhabi locals frequent the hotel piano lounge and the Brazilian restaurant. It is somewhat remote from the centre of town but the setting and amenities are worth it.US$150-400. edit

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, ☎+971 2 6446666, [22]. Tell the taxi driver "Lee Meridien" and he won't confuse it with Royal Meridien. Best amenity is the Meridien Village, an outdoor garden filled with restaurants and pubs, and on Thursday nights during the cooler months, a hangout for literally thousands of expats. Slated to be replaced by a bridge to Suwwah Island financial district, so enjoy while you can. Don't know much about the rest of the hotel, assume it is compatible with Royal Meridien.edit

Le Royal Meridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, ☎+971 2 6742020, [23]. Beautiful views of the gulf and Corniche, comfortable beds, lots of restaurants and bars (very pricey). Service is very good, but things like bringing a welcoming fruit plate to your room (formerly common in 5 star hotels) are extras now. Rotating restaurant at top, and a somewhat hidden nightclub on the 4th floor for dealings on the dark side. Sometimes can get real good deals on internet booking sites (as low as $139/night), but generally expect to pay over US$200/night even during quiet season, and over US$500 when they have defense contractor exhibitions and such. Internet is US$24/day which is ridiculous. However, if you use the wireless network in the lobby, there is no charge. They hold $135/day against your credit card if you want to put meals or other amenities toward your room charges, so make sure you have a good credit line available if you are staying here more than a few days.$150-400/night. edit

The Olive Branch, Mafraq Hotel Abu Dhabi, ☎+971 2 659666, [29]. Mafraq’s all day restaurant serves up fresh Mediterranean cuisine borrowing influence from various regions, including France, Spain and Turkey. The buffet is prepared with the freshest of ingredients and the interior décor is equally breezy and funky. Open 24 hours daily serving buffet and an A La Carte menu edit

Long-term visitors and people working in Abu Dhabi can use apartments. There are lots of apartment blocks in Abu Dhabi, some are tall towers with office spaces, while others are above small shops, not very well maintained and small.

Abu Dhabi has many job opportunities for those willing to take the plunge and move. Oil companies, construction firms, banks - they all hire Westerners as managerial staff. The lower-skilled jobs are, as always in the UAE, usually worked by people from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Starting a few years ago, the Abu Dhabi Education Council began hiring English speaking teachers from Western countries to reform the public school system in Abu Dhabi. Several hundred teachers are hired every year. Western teachers looking for an opportunity in Abu Dhabi can contact a government authorized recruiter such as Footprints Recruiting and work in the Emirate for an excellent, tax-free salary.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!